NYFW: Cushnie et Ochs Defend Nail Art on the Runway

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This year's Cushnie et Ochs show was just after Jason Wu's—which meant models like Karlie Kloss arrived at Milk Studios caked in gold glitter eyeshadow, and were promptly sent—assembly-line style—through M.A.C's makeup removal line, as manicurists scrambled to apply silver bars onto each of their nails. ("The secret," said makeup maestro Charlotte Tilbury, "is to press a pad soaked with remover on the lid, hold for a few seconds, and then gently wipe outward.") Meanwhile, backstage teemed with fashion folk like DJ Chelsea Leyland and jewelry designer Pamela Love, who created pieces for Cushnie's runway show. There was even a documentary crew from AT&T, filming a two-part online movie about New York Fashion Week. (And, presumably, how everyone now spends half of it updating Instagram and Twitter on their phones.)

Somehow standing calm in the middle of everything were Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, the emerging design duo who've dressed Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth, and even Michelle Obama in their sleek, modern dresses. Before the show, ELLE.com chatted with the best-friends-turned-business-partners about the collection, the importance of nail art, and when to leave your ego at the door.

Nail art is a hallmark of your fashion shows. Why does it belong on the runway?

Michelle Ochs: It's another accessory almost, like jewelry. But this year, our New Year's resolution was to grow out our nails. We never both thought we could have long nails. But [celebrity nail manicurist] Pattie Yankee has worked with us on a couple shows and she's been our creative outlet. She encouraged us to do it and helped us keep our promise!

You're known for super-sexy dresses. Are there a lot of them in this collection?

Carly Cushnie: There's a lot of belting and strapping details in the collection. We were looking at a lot of straight jackets, bonding and bandaging. And since we have a lot of strapping details in the collection, they carry through into the nail.

How?

Ochs: They have this piece of metal going across them--it's sterling silver shaped onto the nails. We're calling them nail rings. The "nail-ring-mid-ring ring." Phew! They go with the bonding and bandaging theme.

Like it or not, your label is getting big. What's it like to see someone on the street in your dress?

Cushnie: The first time that happened was the other day. We saw someone who'd purchased the dress when we were out for the night. I was like, "Michelle, she has the dress!" And I felt like the crazy woman running up to her going, "Oh my god, my dress! I mean, your dress!"

What's the secret to working with your best friend?

Ochs: Leave your ego at the door. I mean, you're both working towards the same goal, so if you keep that in mind, I'm not sure work and friendship have to be separated… Although you need to be prepared that you will be spending a lot of time together.

Cushnie: A lot!

You're regulars on the New York party circuit. How long will you last tonight?

Cushnie: Last night, we got the most sleep we've ever gotten before a show.